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Albanian Radio and Television Spring Festival stage design takes shape, Albi Çifligu: Tradition meets modernity

TIRANA, June 2 – Work continues at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet stage. The Spring Festival on Albanian Radio and Television approaches. Preparations move at a fast pace ahead of the two-night event. Stage designer Albi Çifligu leads the visual concept. He focuses on detailed design elements. He …

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National team starts training ahead of Israel and Luxembourg friendlies

TIRANA, June 2 – Albania’s national football team started preparations at the “House of Football” for friendly matches against Israel and Luxembourg. The full squad took part in the opening training session, while Naser Aliji trained separately after completing a recovery session following 90 minutes for his club. The group …

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30th Edition of “Korça Poetry Nights” Festival Concludes Successfully

The city of Korçë has closed the 30th edition of the International Festival of Poets and Authors “Korça Poetry Nights.” The event brought together poets from Albania, the region, and across Europe. Korçë Mayor Sotiraq Filo described the festival as a celebration of the beauty of words. He said it …

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Dea Open Air film festival opens 13th edition with 40 international productions

TIRANA, June 2 – The 13th edition of the Dea Open Air International Film Festival opened on Sunday. The event will run until June 5 and will showcase 40 films from 25 countries. The festival began with a welcome event in front of the University of Arts. Festival Director Edmond …

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Government sets 2026 priorities for prosecutors

TIRANA, June 2 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu presented the government’s 2026 recommendations on combating crime. He addressed Prosecutor General Olsian Çela, Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecution Office head Klodian Braho and chief prosecutors from across the country. Gogu said the recommendations cover eight areas. They align with the …

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President Begaj meets European Council President Costa

TIRANA, June 2 – President of the Republic Bajram Begaj met President of the European Council Antonio Costa on Tuesday to discuss Albania’s progress in the European Union accession process. During the meeting, the two officials welcomed Albania’s progress in the negotiations process, including the holding of the 8th EU-Albania …

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Prime Minister Rama hosts European Council President Costa in Tirana

TIRANA, June 3 – President of the European Council Antonio Costa arrived in Tirana on Tuesday as part of his diplomatic tour of the Western Balkans. Prime Minister Edi Rama received Costa at the Prime Minister’s Office. The two officials held talks with their respective delegations. Later, Rama and Costa …

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Elbasan Gains Italian Media Attention with Krohn Gastronomic Project

A new gastronomic project in Elbasan is attracting attention from Italian media. The project, called Krohn, focuses on game meat, wild products, and local cuisine closely linked to the territory. The project is located in a rural area near Elbasan, about 30 minutes from Tirana. It aims to combine nature, …

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Ksamil Captivates International Media as One of Europe’s Top Beach Destinations

International travel media outlet The Wom Travel has highlighted Ksamil as one of the most attractive coastal destinations in the Balkans. The publication praised Ksamil for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It also described the area as one of the most beautiful spots in the Mediterranean. Ksamil …

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European Council President Costa praises Albania’s European Union progress

TIRANA, June 3 – European Council President Antonio Costa praised Albania’s progress toward European Union membership during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana. Costa congratulated Albania for its commitment to the accession process. He also acknowledged Rama’s role in advancing the country’s European agenda. Earlier, …

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EU Appoints Sofia Moreira de Sousa as New Ambassador to Albania

The European Union has appointed Sofia Moreira de Sousa as its new ambassador to Albania. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, announced the appointment as part of the EU’s 2026 diplomatic rotation. Currently, Moreira de Sousa leads the European Commission Representation in Portugal. Previously, she …

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Lake Shkodra Joins UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves

The UNESCO has officially designated Lake Shkodra as a transboundary Biosphere Reserve. As a result, the lake has joined the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This recognition highlights the ecological importance of one of the region’s most valuable natural treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video from the …

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Rama: Shkodra Continues to Grow as a Tourist Destination

Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said that Shkodra has become a thriving tourist destination that continues to grow year after year. Speaking at the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Shkodra, Rama rejected accusations that government policies have damaged Albanian cities and regions. Instead, he argued …

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Task Force Meets on Tourism Season 2026, Focus on Safety and Services

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, chaired a meeting of the interinstitutional task force for the 2026 summer tourism season. The task force coordinated measures to ensure a smooth and safe tourist season across Albania. Officials focused on key priorities such as beach safety, waste management, food …

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President Begaj Meets Croatian Parliament Speaker in Tirana, Pushes Forward EU Accession Talks and Chapter Closures

President Bajram Begaj of Bajram Begaj met the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, Gordan Jandroković, in Tirana. First, he focused on European integration. He stressed closing negotiation chapters. He pushed for finalizing Albania’s accession process. Next, Begaj praised strong relations with Croatia. He highlighted the strategic partnership. In addition, he …

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Albanian Book Fair “Shkupi 2026” Celebrates Literary Excellence with Prestigious Awards in North Macedonia

The Albanian Book Fair “Shkupi 2026” took place from 4–7 June in Skanderbeg Square in Shkup. First, it became a major cultural hub for Albanian literature and publishing. It brought together publishers, authors, researchers, and readers from Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. Next, the fair hosted book promotions and literary …

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Gonxhja: Pogradec Historic Center Renovation to Be Completed in October

The urban restoration project in the historic center of Pogradec is progressing steadily. It has already reached 80% completion. First, the project focuses on restoring traditional buildings. It also improves public squares and urban infrastructure. In addition, it creates thematic tourist routes. Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports Ministria e …

News
EU food safety project EU4FoodSafety starts in Tirana

TIRANA, June 8 – Albania launched the EU4FoodSafety project in Tirana on World Food Safety Day. The initiative aims to strengthen the food safety system and align it further with European standards. The Albanian government supports the project. The European Union and the German government finance it. It focuses on …

News
Inflation in May reaches 3% as transport and housing drive price rises

TIRANA, June 8 – Consumer prices in Albania continued to rise in May, pushing annual inflation to 3%, up from 2.2% a year earlier, according to data published by INSTAT. Meanwhile, the statistical institute said the increase over the past two months mainly reflects higher fuel prices. It linked the …

News
Gjirokastër; Traditional stone coffee ritual attracts visitors in historic bazaar

TIRANA, June 8 – A traditional stone coffee preparation ritual has become an attraction for tourists visiting Gjirokastër, where visitors now experience a local hospitality practice in the city’s historic bazaar. Artisan Lubjana Baho has set up a hospitality corner in one of the cobbled streets. Meanwhile, she introduces visitors …

News

EU Appoints Sofia Moreira de Sousa as New Ambassador to Albania

The European Union has appointed Sofia Moreira de Sousa as its new ambassador to Albania. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, announced the appointment as part of the EU’s 2026 diplomatic rotation. Currently, Moreira de Sousa leads the European Commission Representation in Portugal. Previously, she …

News

Lake Shkodra Joins UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves

The UNESCO has officially designated Lake Shkodra as a transboundary Biosphere Reserve. As a result, the lake has joined the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This recognition highlights the ecological importance of one of the region’s most valuable natural treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video from the …

News

Rama: Shkodra Continues to Grow as a Tourist Destination

Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said that Shkodra has become a thriving tourist destination that continues to grow year after year. Speaking at the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Shkodra, Rama rejected accusations that government policies have damaged Albanian cities and regions. Instead, he argued …

News

Task Force Meets on Tourism Season 2026, Focus on Safety and Services

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, chaired a meeting of the interinstitutional task force for the 2026 summer tourism season. The task force coordinated measures to ensure a smooth and safe tourist season across Albania. Officials focused on key priorities such as beach safety, waste management, food …

News

President Begaj Meets Croatian Parliament Speaker in Tirana, Pushes Forward EU Accession Talks and Chapter Closures

President Bajram Begaj of Bajram Begaj met the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, Gordan Jandroković, in Tirana. First, he focused on European integration. He stressed closing negotiation chapters. He pushed for finalizing Albania’s accession process. Next, Begaj praised strong relations with Croatia. He highlighted the strategic partnership. In addition, he …

News

Albanian Book Fair “Shkupi 2026” Celebrates Literary Excellence with Prestigious Awards in North Macedonia

The Albanian Book Fair “Shkupi 2026” took place from 4–7 June in Skanderbeg Square in Shkup. First, it became a major cultural hub for Albanian literature and publishing. It brought together publishers, authors, researchers, and readers from Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. Next, the fair hosted book promotions and literary …

News

Gonxhja: Pogradec Historic Center Renovation to Be Completed in October

The urban restoration project in the historic center of Pogradec is progressing steadily. It has already reached 80% completion. First, the project focuses on restoring traditional buildings. It also improves public squares and urban infrastructure. In addition, it creates thematic tourist routes. Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports Ministria e …

News

EU food safety project EU4FoodSafety starts in Tirana

TIRANA, June 8 – Albania launched the EU4FoodSafety project in Tirana on World Food Safety Day. The initiative aims to strengthen the food safety system and align it further with European standards. The Albanian government supports the project. The European Union and the German government finance it. It focuses on …

News

Inflation in May reaches 3% as transport and housing drive price rises

TIRANA, June 8 – Consumer prices in Albania continued to rise in May, pushing annual inflation to 3%, up from 2.2% a year earlier, according to data published by INSTAT. Meanwhile, the statistical institute said the increase over the past two months mainly reflects higher fuel prices. It linked the …

News

Gjirokastër; Traditional stone coffee ritual attracts visitors in historic bazaar

TIRANA, June 8 – A traditional stone coffee preparation ritual has become an attraction for tourists visiting Gjirokastër, where visitors now experience a local hospitality practice in the city’s historic bazaar. Artisan Lubjana Baho has set up a hospitality corner in one of the cobbled streets. Meanwhile, she introduces visitors …